Intervention strategies presented here are techniques that can be grouped together to form dietary and physical activity behavior change interventions.
In various combinations, these nine intervention strategies serve as core elements of the WISEWOMAN interventions that are posted on this web site. To provide additional support for the core elements, the Center TRT researched existing evidence reviews and other summary documents related to behavior change interventions to document the evidence base for the intervention strategies.
This section of the web site, which contains summaries of the intervention strategies, provides public health practitioners with easy-to-use information about the best options available for planning effective dietary and physical activity interventions at the individual level of the socio-ecologic model. Additionally, the intervention strategies are integral to WISEWOMAN participants receiving all 5 A’s of the 5-A Behavioral Counseling Framework (Assess, Advise, Agree, Assist, Arrange), a program goal.
Intervention strategy summaries are listed in the right navigation bar. To view a summary of the available evidence, select a strategy of interest. Each strategy summary provides:
- an overview of the technique with a description of how it is generally applied and, if possible, the outcomes it supports. For example: skill-building activities provide an opportunity for clients to practice/try a new behavior. Skill building promotes self-confidence (self-efficacy) which is a critical step in individual behavior change.
- a review of the evidence that supports the strategy.
- implementation guidance, including the tested formats for the technique; the dose and intensity, i.e., number of sessions and length of sessions that were shown to be effective; and suggestions for combining it with other strategies (example: risk assessment may precede goal-setting).
- adaptations, including the possible variations/common ways to tailor the strategy.
- tips ranging from common challenges, to FAQs and recommendations.
Using the Information in this Section
Intervention strategies in this section are intended to inform your decision making as you plan and implement interventions and as you develop training for intervention delivery. In using the information included in this section, we remind you that no single strategy will have an impact on reducing the risk factors for heart disease and stroke.